For a wonderfully rich and dense sweet treat, you must try this Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake. It has a mild Irish Cream flavor, a perfectly buttery crumb, and is topped with an unforgettable glaze. This cake is made completely from scratch, ensuring the best homemade taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Irish Cream Liqueur (Baileys or Carolinas)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Irish Cream Liqueur
- 3 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate measuring cup, mix the Irish Cream and milk. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand-held electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars at medium speed for about 6 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add half the flour mixture, followed by half the milk mixture. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, Irish Cream, and water. Add extra water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth.
- Drizzle the cooled cake with the glaze and let set before serving.
Nutrients (Per Serving – 12 Servings)
- Calories: 676 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 101g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 142mg
- Potassium: 162mg
- Sugar: 75g
- Calcium: 79mg
- Iron: 2mg
Enjoy this indulgent Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of Irish Cream for an extra special treat!
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
What sets this Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake apart from other cakes is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. The cake itself is incredibly moist, with a soft and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The richness of the butter combined with the smooth Irish Cream flavor creates a subtle, well-rounded sweetness that is not overpowering. The flavor of the Irish Cream is present, but it doesn’t dominate the cake; instead, it complements the buttery richness of the batter and the sweetness from both brown and granulated sugar.
The key to achieving such a tender and moist cake is the use of quality ingredients and the right mixing technique. The cake’s dense texture comes from the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs, all of which are essential to creating the luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dessert so special. The brown sugar adds a bit of molasses flavor, deepening the taste and giving the cake a slightly caramelized edge. This complements the Irish Cream beautifully, making each bite more enjoyable.
A Rich and Creamy Glaze to Finish Off the Cake
What truly makes this Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake stand out is its rich, velvety glaze. The glaze is made with powdered sugar, Irish Cream liqueur, and a bit of water to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the cake has cooled, the glaze is drizzled over the top, where it seeps into the cake slightly, adding an extra layer of sweetness and depth. The glaze is the perfect finishing touch that enhances the flavors of the cake without overwhelming it.
The Irish Cream glaze adds a glossy, attractive sheen to the cake, making it look as good as it tastes. The slight boozy undertone from the Baileys in the glaze harmonizes beautifully with the flavors of the cake, creating a cohesive dessert experience. The glaze also helps to seal in the moisture of the cake, ensuring that each slice remains soft and fresh, even after a couple of days.
The Versatility of Baileys Irish Cream in Baking
Baileys Irish Cream is often enjoyed as a drink on its own, but it’s also an excellent ingredient to incorporate into baked goods. The liqueur brings a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, smooth flavor that complements both chocolate and vanilla-based desserts. In this cake, Baileys acts as a flavor enhancer, giving the pound cake a unique, sophisticated twist that you won’t find in traditional pound cake recipes.
When used in baking, Baileys Irish Cream adds richness without the need for heavy cream or other dairy products, making it a convenient and flavorful option for those who want to create indulgent desserts. Additionally, the liqueur’s alcohol content is cooked off during the baking process, leaving behind only its distinctive flavor.
Baking the Perfect Pound Cake
The process of making a pound cake can be as simple or as complex as you like, but this Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake recipe keeps things straightforward while delivering exceptional results. The ingredients are combined in a specific order to ensure a smooth batter, which is essential for a light, fluffy texture. Once the batter is mixed, it is poured into a Bundt pan, which allows the cake to bake evenly and develop a beautiful, golden crust. The key is to bake the cake at the right temperature for the right amount of time, ensuring the cake is fully cooked and tender without becoming dry.
The Bundt pan not only provides a visually appealing shape but also ensures that the cake bakes evenly, with a beautiful, even crumb. After baking, the cake is allowed to cool for a few minutes before being transferred to a serving plate. The cool-down period helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to cut without breaking. This thoughtful process results in a perfectly baked, flavorful cake that is a joy to serve.
A Perfect Pairing for Coffee or Tea
Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake is a decadent dessert that pairs beautifully with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. The rich, buttery flavor of the cake complements the warmth and richness of your favorite hot drinks, making it a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon or evening. The Irish Cream glaze on top adds a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the drink, enhancing your overall dessert experience.
If you’re a fan of Irish coffee, this cake would pair beautifully with a glass of your favorite brew. The creaminess of the Baileys in the cake and glaze echoes the creaminess in the coffee, creating a luxurious pairing. The cake’s slight sweetness and smooth texture make it the perfect match for a rich cup of coffee or a milder black tea. This dessert is versatile enough to work with a variety of beverages, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Why You Should Make Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake
This Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake is not just about great flavor—it’s also about texture, simplicity, and the experience of creating a truly special dessert. The richness of the cake, combined with the creamy glaze, creates a mouthwatering treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The cake is made from scratch, ensuring the best homemade taste, and it’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
The process of making this cake is relatively simple, even for novice bakers, which makes it an accessible recipe for everyone. The result is a dessert that looks and tastes more complicated than it actually is, providing the satisfaction of baking a beautiful cake without spending all day in the kitchen. The cake keeps well, too, so you can enjoy it for several days after it’s made, making it a great option for dessert planning in advance.
Conclusion: A Rich, Indulgent Dessert Experience
In conclusion, Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake is a showstopper of a dessert that combines rich flavors, a decadent texture, and an unforgettable glaze. The Irish Cream adds a subtle yet complex flavor to the cake, and the glaze perfectly complements it, enhancing the overall sweetness and richness. This cake is versatile, easy to make, and can be served at any gathering, making it the ideal treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it to guests at a dinner party, enjoying a slice with your favorite hot drink, or simply indulging in a sweet treat on a quiet evening, this Baileys Irish Cream Pound Cake will quickly become a go-to dessert. Try making it for your next special occasion, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries it.